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Show Report

by Hywel Davies on 24 June 2010.

Military influences in jackets, formal trousers and shirts combining both silk and knit all followed the Vuitton message of modern masculine clothing.

Travel, the true roots of Louis Vuitton was again the backbone of the spring / summer 2011 collection. Studio director, Paul Helbers described the collection entitled 'Digital Bohemian' as, "A rhapsody of three virtual scenarios for a digital bohemian, a man who travels the world from behind his computer screen." In terms of clothes, and what this means for the consumer, is essentially the idea of eclecticism - mixing different styles and influences of clothing. Helbers took references from around the globe including China, Brazil and Scandinavia. These international jaunts are usually associated with the exuberance of John Galliano, but at Louis Vuitton, the focus is always on refined luxury and not decadent fantasies. Military influences in jackets, formal trousers and shirts combining both silk and knit all followed the Vuitton message of modern masculine clothing. Technical fabrics, signature leather and faded blue python were modernised with a LV digitalised monogran floral. A new harder energy seems prevalent at Vuitton, as Helbers toughened-up on his usual composed aesthetic. Stubbled models paced the runway and sported LV tattoos. This new culture clash as defined by Helbers is apparently a styling story - the way in which the clothes are put together. When the garments are segregated, what is on offer is pure luxury, and is executed, as always, with ease and precision by Vuitton.